3 absurdly simple productivity hacks that I've learned the hard way
These are the tried and tested, environment-agnostic productivity hacks you can apply anywhere and see the results for yourself. Getting the fundamentals right is very important because if you can't understand the small stuff, you'll never understand the bigger stuff.
Learning from others
Some might say that this is the only productivity hack there is. Because if you think about it, it encapsulates all other productivity hacks out there.
Need to learn how to manage your tasks better? Someone most probably has figured it out. Need to learn how not to mess up a relationship? Someone already has and knows what to do to avoid it.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” -Confucius
Go to sleep
Seriously. Go to sleep.
I’ve learned this after a lot of hit and trials, but having a fixed sleep schedule is something that should be the backbone of your personal productivity system. I’ve experimented with sleeping late, sleeping early, sleeping in shifts and this is what I’ve learned: No matter what your sleep time, have a fixed schedule and be disciplined about it.
You can create your own sleep habit, you don’t have to follow anyone else’s. Some people need 8 hours, others just need 6. Just listen to your body and mind, understand how much rest it needs, and try not to lie to yourself. The dividends this habit will pay are enormous.
Saying No
Read overcommitting.
You don’t need to go to /r/RoastMe to feel bad about yourself. Just overcommit and you’ll be there.
Yes, you can accomplish everything on your plate. No, you can’t do everything at the same time.
Or at the very least, you can’t start doing everything at the same time. If you have one goal on track, you can maybe take another one on. But if you try to accomplish 10 ambitious goals at the same time, you’re most probably going to stress/burn out. Because if each of your goal requires 2 hours of your time and there are only 24 in a day, the math doesn’t add up.
